Sahajayoga & Ganesh Principle: Awakening Innocence, Purity, & Wisdom

In the journey of Sahajayoga, the Ganesh Principle forms the foundation of our spiritual ascent. Lord Ganesha, the embodiment of innocence, wisdom, and purity, resides in the Mooladhara Chakra, the first and most important chakra in our subtle system. Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, the founder of Sahajayoga, emphasized the significance of Lord Ganesha as the guardian of our spiritual path, calling Him the “deity of purity and joy.”

This blog delves into the teachings of Shri Mataji, explaining the Ganesh Principle and its role in Sahajayoga. It provides insights, techniques, and practical steps to help new Sahajayogis nurture this principle in their spiritual journey.

The Ganesh Principle in Sahajayoga

Who is Lord Ganesha?

Lord Ganesha is the eternal child, revered in Indian spirituality as the remover of obstacles and the harbinger of wisdom. In Sahajayoga, He represents the qualities of:

• Innocence: Seeing the world through pure and untainted eyes.
• Purity: A heart free from negativity and ego.
• Wisdom: The innate understanding of truth, beyond intellectual reasoning.
• Joy: A natural state of unconditional happiness.

Shri Mataji’s Teachings on Lord Ganesha

Shri Mataji describes Ganesha as “the epitome of innocence and auspiciousness.” She emphasized:

1. “Without innocence, we cannot achieve anything in our spiritual ascent. Innocence is the source of all creativity.”
   — Public Lecture, Ganapatipule, 1986.
2. “The power of Lord Ganesha is that He protects your Mooladhara Chakra and ensures that your Kundalini can rise with dignity and purity.”
   — Shri Mataji, London, 1982.

These qualities make Lord Ganesha the guardian of the Kundalini energy, ensuring it flows unobstructed through the subtle system.

The Role of the Mooladhara Chakra

Location and Function

The Mooladhara Chakra is located at the base of the spine and is connected to the pelvic plexus. It governs qualities like purity, wisdom, stability, and innocence, which form the foundation for spiritual growth.

Importance in Sahajayoga

1. Foundation of the Subtle System: It provides stability and balance for the Kundalini’s ascent.
2. Guardian of Kundalini: Lord Ganesha ensures that the Kundalini rises safely and without obstruction.
3. Protection from Negativity: A strong Mooladhara shields practitioners from external and internal distractions.

Shri Mataji explained:
“Mooladhara Chakra is the abode of Shri Ganesha, and if it is strong, your attention will always remain pure and steady.”
— Public Lecture, Sydney, 1981.

How to Awaken the Ganesh Principle

Meditation on the Mooladhara Chakra

1. Sit Comfortably: Place your attention at the base of your spine.
2. Recite Ganesha Mantras: Chant “Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha” or “Shri Ganesha, please awaken purity and innocence within me.”

Affirmations

Affirmations align your attention with the qualities of Lord Ganesha. Repeat:

• “I am pure innocence.”
• “I am protected by Shri Ganesha.”

Foot Soaking

Perform daily foot soaking in salt water. As Shri Mataji recommended:
“Foot soaking removes negativity and strengthens your connection with the Mother Earth, which is Ganesha’s domain.”
— Public Lecture, Pune, 1980.

The Ganesh Principle in Everyday Life

Innocence in Action

• Approach problems with simplicity and a positive attitude.
• Avoid judgment and cultivate a pure heart.

Purity of Thought

• Regularly introspect and let go of negative emotions like anger and jealousy.
• Focus on gratitude and kindness in your daily interactions.

Staying Joyful

• Find joy in small things: a morning sunrise, a smile from a friend, or the beauty of nature.
• As Shri Mataji said: “Joy is the nature of your spirit, and Shri Ganesha helps you experience it.”
  — Lecture, Vienna, 1983.

Lessons from Shri Mataji’s Lectures on Ganesha

1. The Story of Ganesha’s Race Shri Mataji often shared the story of Ganesha winning a race against His brother Kartikeya by circling His parents, Shiva and Parvati. This story highlights:

• True wisdom is understanding the essence of things, not just their form.
• Respecting your parents and the principles they represent.

2. Ekadantaya:

Once, Parashurama came to Mount Kailasa to meet Lord Shiva. At the time, Ganesha was guarding the entrance. Ganesha firmly told Parashurama, “I have strict orders not to allow anyone inside.”

Parashurama, however, became furious and challenged Ganesha to a battle. He wielded the divine axe (Parashu) gifted to him by Shiva. In his anger, during the battle, Parashurama struck Ganesha with the axe. Ganesha, aware that Shiva’s axe would not strike in vain, decided to absorb the blow. He intercepted the strike with his left tusk, which broke permanently.

As the tusk fell to the ground, heavy blood loss followed. Ganesha endured immense pain, and blood flowed abundantly. Witnessing this, Parashurama paused and sought forgiveness from Ganesha. From that day on, Ganesha came to be known as ‘Ekadanta’ (the one with a single tusk).

The symbolic meaning of Ganesha’s broken tusk lies in his selfless decision. The moment Parashurama raised the axe, Ganesha understood that the blow must not be wasted. Without hesitation, he offered his tusk to bear the strike.

• “The broken tusk is a symbol of sacrifice, and it reminds us that the ability to relinquish ego for a higher purpose is a gift of the Ganesha principle within us.”

Practical Exercises for New Sahajayogis

1. Morning Invocation:
   Start your day by reciting “Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha” to invoke Shri Ganesha’s blessings.
2. Walk Barefoot on Earth:
   Strengthen your connection with Mother Earth, which nourishes the Mooladhara Chakra.
3. Read and Reflect on Ganesha Stories:
   Reflect on how these stories apply to your life, helping you embody His qualities.

Conclusion

The Ganesh Principle is the cornerstone of Sahajayoga, fostering innocence, wisdom, and purity within us. For new Sahajayogis, understanding and awakening this principle lays a strong foundation for spiritual growth. By meditating on the Mooladhara Chakra and invoking Shri Ganesha’s qualities, you can experience joy, balance, and protection in your journey.

As Shri Mataji beautifully said:
“Shri Ganesha is not just a deity; He is a principle. When this principle manifests within you, it creates balance, harmony, and peace.”
— Lecture, Ganapatipule, 1990.

Let’s embrace the Ganesh Principle and allow it to guide us toward self-realization and a joyous life.

References

1. Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi’s public lectures:

• Ganapatipule, 1986
• Sydney, 1981
• Vienna, 1983
• Pune, 1980
• India, 1985

2. Stories and symbolism from Indian scriptures about Lord Ganesha.

3. Sahajayoga techniques and practices shared by experienced practitioners.